Deeplinks Blog posts about Privacy

We recently reported on a new spying bill [PDF] that could, among other things, threaten cases like EFF's against AT&T. After an initial delay, the Senate Intelligence Committee's hearing on the bill is now set for tomorrow and only the Administration will be allowed to testify.

That makes it is even more important that the public makes its voice heard loud and clear. Congress needs to know that you oppose this legislation and demand immediate investigations into the warrantless spying program.

Last week a subcommittee of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce reported out H.R. 964, a.k.a. the "Securely Protect Yourself Against Cyber Trespass Act" or "SPY Act." This bill is the latest incarnation of misguided legislative language that has been resurfacing since 2003 (in 2005, it passed the House as H.R. 29).

Although badware (i.e., spyware, malware, and deceptive adware) is a serious problem for computer users, H.R. 964 is not likely to help. In fact, having been massaged by lobbyists for the software and adware industries, the bill would actually make things worse, insulating adware vendors from more stringent state laws and private lawsuits.

The rebellion against the REAL ID Act keeps growing -- last week, Montana became the fifth state to push back against the federal government's unfunded national ID mandate. Don't miss out on these critical opportunities to make a difference and help stop this privacy-invasive policy:

The REAL ID rebellion is growing. On Tuesday, Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer signed into law Montana?s rejection of the Real ID Act, saying "the best way for Montana to deal with the federal government on this issue and many others is to say 'No. Nope. No way and hell no.'"

And on Wednesday, Washington Governor Christine Gregoire signed a similar bill, prohibiting state implementation of the act unless certain conditions are met. Three other states have already passed anti-Real ID resolutions: Maine, Idaho and Arkansas. Congress is considering repealing the act.

We're glad to hear that Senators are already pushing back against this proposal. As the NY Times reports:

"[Senator Arlen] Specter said he opposed the proposed immunity for telecommunications companies because the White House had never provided Congress with enough information about the role of the companies in the program.